New AWA market study assess possibilities of in-mold labeling

The market for in-mold labeled containers is growing at around 6 percent per annum. Although in-mold labeling today represents just 2 percent of global label demand, this healthy growth rate is proof of increasing recognition of a process that delivers durability and 'product' resistance; high-quality print; label security (the label is integral to the pack); and cost-effectiveness. A new study, Global In-mold Label Market and Technology Review 2008, is newly-published by AWA Alexander Watson Associates, a global business-to-business market research, publishing and consulting firm, with a specialization in the paper, film, packaging, coating, and converting industries.

Published in AWA's topical AWAreness Reports series of market studies, the Global In-mold Label Market and Technology Review 2008 is designed to provide a business intelligence briefing for companies already active in in-mold label production, equipment and material suppliers, and buyers of in-mold labels – as well as businesses looking to enter the in-mold label market at any level of the value chain.

The study's content sets in-mold labeling in the context of the prime labeling technologies and today's competitive product decoration and identification processes – direct print on to flexible packaging, cartons, cans, and bottles, and then examines the in-mold market structure in detail, along with end-use and geographical market profiles. The markets in Europe (the leading regional consumer), USA, Asia Pacific, South America, and the rest of the world are examined in depth.  

The in-mold labeling technology is then discussed in terms of materials, printing technologies, molding and robotics, and label placement;  and the study concludes with a thorough evaluation of the future for the technology, with market forecasts and trends analysis in a variety of areas of interest. An industry directory, and appendices covering the different molding technologies complete the publication.

'At a time when in-mold labeling may well be at its tipping point,’ said Dr William Llewellyn, vice president and senior consultant with AWA Alexander Watson Associates, 'we though all involved in the industry would find an up-to-the-minute overview of in-mold labeling a useful tool. It would take just one major brand owner/end user from any one of a number of end-use market sectors to catalyze and energize the market and provide the key driver for a quantum leap in growth. This is an element in the make-up of today's packaging industry that could create real change in the long term.'